Masked thugs hammer nails into man’s hand during burglary

A group of masked thugs held a man down and drove nails into his hands during an aggravated burglary in north Belfast last night.

The incident occurred at approximately 8.15pm last night in the Florence Walk area of North Belfast.

According to the PSNI, a number of masked men entered a house in the area and attacked the 23-year-old occupant.

He was forced into the kitchen where the men are reported to have hammered a nail into each of his hands.

He was later taken to hospital for treatment.

A woman was also in the house at the time but was not injured.

In a statement, Detective Sergeant Keith Wilson said: "It was reported that at around 8.15pm a number of masked men entered a house in the area and attacked the 23 year old male occupant. He was forced into the kitchen of the property where the men are reported to have hammered a nail into each of his hands. He was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries. A woman who was also in the house at the time was not injured."

The PSNI are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anybody with information to contact them at Musgrave Police Station or contact charity Crimestoppers.